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Hatchet Cross Country Teams Compete in Freedom Invite Published on 09/09/2019 under Sports

On Saturday the Tomahawk Cross-Country team traveled to Freedom for a multi-team invitational featuring some of the top programs in the east central part of Wisconsin. For a second straight week the Hatchet ladies had a strong finish as they captured the team championship in the 14-team small school (D2/D3) race, and placed 4th overall (of 32 teams) , while their counterparts the boys placed 3rd in the small school division (7th overall of 35 teams).

Haley-Voermans-Dean paced the lady Hatchets with her 19:45 clocking and 6th place overall finish in the nearly 200-runner field. Haley's time is the second fastest 5K ever run by a lady Hatchet and a PR for her. The other medalist in the overall race was senior Meagan Berg, as she clocked a PR of 20:28 to place 23rd. A trio of sophomore scorers paced Tomahawk next as Macey Mann (32nd-20:46), Emily Lacina (38th21:00), and Kate Reilly (46th-21:32) all raced to PR's in the near perfect conditions at Irish Waters Golf Course. Gina Wanta (93rd-23:14) and Greta Tjugum (107th-23:35) rounded out the varsity attack, both with PR's as well.

Drew Bolder cracked the 17-minute barrier and placed 9th in the 200 runner field with his 16:56 5K effort. He was the lone medalist for the Hatchet boys with his second fastest 5K time of his career. Noah Buckwalter (36th-17:56), Keaton Jed (52nd-18:14 PR), Trey Baalke (58th-18:22 PR), and Arden Ziert (80th18:48) completed the varsity scoring for the 3rd place Hatchets. Garron Albrent (102nd-19:18) and Alex Norman (118th-19:43) rounded out the varsity finishers for Tomahawk.

The girls JV squad placed 4th overall and were led by freshman Neenah Fuste as she knocked over 2 min off her previous best 5K with her time of 23:31-17th place effort. Other JV finishers in the 188-runner field were: Gillian Buckwalter (26th-24:01), Serena Reinke (29th-24:05 PR), Autumn Peissig (38th-24:33), Tiana Gerstenberger (39th -24:34), Ava Dragosh (51st-25:00 PR) and Leslie Vance (82nd-26:16 PR).

The 9th place boys JV squad was led by senior Jack Lacina's 13th place medalist PR effort of 19:20. Hunter Borchardt (33rd), Hunter VanRyen (34th), Reed Zedler (80th), Jacob Towle (98th-21:43 PR), Brady Tjugum (110th), Henry Calhoun (113th-22:14 PR), Taje Casey (134th-23:15 PR), John Mark Hawley (142nd -23:53 PR), and Trey Miller (142nd) completed the JV finishers for Tomahawk.

Boys Varsity Small School (D2/D3) Team Scores: Brillon (63), Gillett (69), Tomahawk (72), Chilton (111), Peshtigo (164), Weyawega (169), Southern Door (173), Sevastopol (208), Hilbert (219), Gibraltar (232), Coleman (239), Northland Pines (312), St Marys Springs (362), Assumption (Inc), Oneida Nation (Inc), Providence Academy (Inc), Sturgeon Bay (Inc) and Wausaukee (Inc).

Girls Varsity Small School (D2/D3) Team Scores: Tomahawk (34), Gillett (58), Assumption (143), Weyauwega (156), Coleman (184), Brillion (190), Southern Door (191), Chilton (193), Peshtigo (202), Sturgeon Bay (225), St Marys Springs (242), Gibraltar (300), Northland Pines (321), and Wausaukee (Inc).

Next week Saturday the Hatchets make their annual trek to the western side of the state to compete in the 10-team Fall Creek Cricket Invitational at Fall Creek High School starting at 10:00 am.

In Other News

Lincoln County Board Presented with Balanced Budget Ahead of November Vote

Published on 10/21/2026 under News Lincoln County has a balanced spending plan for supervisors to consider next month. At Tuesday's board meeting, Finance Director Korey Bloch presented supervisors with an updated 2027 budget draft. The proposed property tax levy comes in at $13.6 million, up approximately $300,000 from last year. However, driven by a 6.9 percent increase in equalized property values and a 1.3 percent boost in net new construction, the average mill rate is projected to drop by 2.6 percent for townships and just over 2 percent for cities. The county finance team successfully closed an estimated $900,000 deficit from the preliminary July draft. Notable spending updates include increased funding for emergency medical services following a new joint EMS agreement with the City of Merrill. The summary also highlights rising IT software costs and ongoing capital maintenance expenses. Budget numbers were further bolstered by steady growth in county sales tax revenue, a multi-year upward trend attributed in part to local investments in recreation and tourism promotion. The finalized 2027 budget will return to the Lincoln County Board for full approval in November as local municipalities and school districts wrap up their own financial planning.

Published on 10/21/2026 under News Following another summer of community support, the organizers behind the annual Wishes for Kids fundraiser have officially presented a $30,000 check to Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. The major contribution comes after a full season of local fundraising efforts in the Northwoods. While the popular Wishes for Kids Pork Roast held at Surewood Forest on Lake Alice served as the summer's main event, organizers expanded their reach in recent weeks by hosting both a cornhole tournament and a golf outing to boost total donations. The $30,000 gift matches the organization's record-setting total from last year, bringing their multi-year fundraising total to nearly a quarter-million dollars. Over the past decade, Wishes for Kids has raised more than $240,000 to grant life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses across northern Wisconsin. Funds raised through these local events help grant a wide range of wishes for Northwoods children, from dream vacations and sporting event trips to personalized home accessibility projects and local outdoor adventures. Many of those stories are told through the Wall of Wishes at Surewood Forest.

Published on 10/21/2026 under News The timber industry plays a critical role in the Northwoods economy, and this week state officials are recognizing the trade's lasting impact across Wisconsin. The third week of October marks National Forest Products Week. The annual observance highlights the economic and environmental benefits provided by the state's estimated 17 million acres of public and private forestland. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the state's forest products industry directly generates nearly $28 billion in goods each year and supports more than 55,000 jobs statewide. It also remains a top economic driver across northern Wisconsin. In Lincoln County alone, forestry accounts for more than 1,800 direct and indirect jobs. DNR Forest Products Team Leader Scott Lyon noted that residents rely on Wisconsin forest products daily, from paper packaging and tissue to structural lumber, flooring, and furniture. Beyond the bottom line, DNR officials emphasize that sustainably managed forests protect clean air and water, enhance wildlife habitat, and offer endless recreational opportunities for Northwoods residents and visitors alike.

Published on 10/21/2026 under News A two-week trial is now underway in Lincoln County Circuit Court for a teen charged in a fatal 2024 assault of a counselor at the Lincoln Hills. Javarius Hurd faces one felony count of first-degree reckless homicide and two counts of battery by a prisoner. Following jury selection Monday, opening statements were delivered Tuesday morning. The charges stem from a June 2024 altercation at the youth correctional facility, where two counselors were injured. During the incident, 49-year-old counselor Corey Proulx was struck, causing him to hit his head on a hard surface. He died from his injuries a short time later. State prosecutors began presenting their case Tuesday, calling former Lincoln Hills resident Rian Nyblom to the stand. Nyblom previously pleaded guilty to two counts of battery by a prisoner for his involvement in the incident. Hurd had reached a plea agreement on amended charges earlier this year, but later withdrew it. Court officials have set aside two weeks for the proceedings.

Published on 10/21/2026 under News New operational changes are now in effect for mail delivery and personal communications at the Lincoln County Jail. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the facility transitioned this week to an off-site digital mail processing system aimed at improving facility security and preventing contraband. All personal, non-legal mail must now be sent to a central processing center in Longview, Texas, where staff scan the letters and deliver them electronically to inmates via jail kiosks and tablets. Legal correspondence must still be sent directly to the jail in Merrill. In addition, the sheriff's office is introducing new video visitation and electronic messaging options through NCIC Correctional Services. Officials note these service updates come at no cost to local taxpayers and offer expanded ways for families and friends to stay in touch with those incarcerated.

Published on 10/21/2026 under News Two new leaders have officially taken their seats on the Nicolet College Board of Trustees. Kristin Allen of Lac du Flambeau has been sworn in to serve a three-year term. Allen currently serves as the Higher Education Transition Coordinator for the Lac du Flambeau Tribe and brings over a decade of board experience to the post. Joining her is Tomahawk resident Teri Theiler, President of the Aspirus North Division, who will serve a two-year interim term. Theiler also serves on boards for Howard Young Medical Center and the Wisconsin Hospital Association. Nicolet College President Kate Ferrel welcomed both appointees, noting that their deep professional expertise and passion for higher education will strengthen the institution's service across Northwoods communities.

Published on 10/20/2026 under News Throughout this week, a Rhinelander-area church is collecting unused wheelchairs and mobility equipment to send to developing nations. For individuals with limited mobility, a wheelchair is a vital tool—yet it is something many take for granted. The organization Wheels for the World is working to change that by partnering with Calvary Baptist Church in Rhinelander for a local collection drive. According to Pastor Rod Ankrom, volunteers take used wheelchairs and restore them to like-new condition before distributing them overseas. Ankrom noted that in many developing nations, people with mobility challenges are often left isolated simply because they lack a way to get around. In addition to complete wheelchairs, the church is accepting crutches, canes, and wheelchair parts that can be used during the refurbishment process. Drop-offs are being accepted at Calvary Baptist Church on Lincoln Street in Rhinelander from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, as well as Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Anyone unable to make those times can arrange an alternative drop-off by calling the church directly.

Published on 10/20/2026 under News In-person absentee voting gets underway across Wisconsin today, marking exactly two weeks until Election Day. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 20, municipal clerks can open early voting sites, allowing voters to request and complete their absentee ballots in a single visit. Locations and operating hours vary by municipality. Just like on Election Day, voters will need to present an acceptable photo ID to cast their ballot. State election data shows that over 173,000 mail-in absentee ballots have already been returned, though more than 191,000 requested ballots remain outstanding. Local numbers reflect that statewide trend: in Lincoln County, just under 1,300 ballots were requested and about 650 have been returned so far. In Oneida County, roughly 1,500 of the 2,800 absentee ballots sent out have come back. State officials note that overall mail-in requests are down compared to four years ago, signaling that more residents may plan to vote early in person before Nov. 3. More than 2.6 million Wisconsinites are expected to cast ballots in this year's general election. Voter information, including sample preview ballots, is available on the state's official website at MyVote.wi.gov.

Published on 10/20/2026 under News With beautiful fall weather in the forecast, it is a great time to get the yard ready for winter, but health experts warn that seasonal chores come with hidden injury risks. Raking leaves and cleaning gutters put unique strains on your body. Raking involves repetitive twisting and pulling, which frequently leads to lower back and shoulder injuries. To protect yourself, treat yard work like exercise: do a quick dynamic stretch before starting, keep your knees slightly bent, and switch sides often to balance the workload. If you are tackling chores that require a ladder, such as trimming branches or clearing gutters, keep safety top of mind. Officials advise placing ladders on firm, level ground, maintaining three points of contact at all times, and never overreaching. Always wear supportive shoes with soles clear of mud or debris that could cause a slip, and stay facing the ladder whenever you climb up or down. And in general, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and listen to your body so your yard gets prepped without an unexpected trip to urgent care. As a reminder, the City of Tomahawk will conduct its annual curbside fall yard waste collection next week.

Published on 10/20/2026 under News A congratulations go out to the Tomahawk High School one act-play for advancing out of the district competition. This fall, THS is performing, "Lost in the Woods" by Stephen Murray. The play follows a group of tech-free wilderness campers who get lost and encounter mysterious forest creatures and an eccentric counselor before help arrives. On Saturday, the judges advanced Tomahawk on to the sectional competition. Tomahawk is aiming to secure its 11th consecutive trip to the state festival next month.

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